Dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: Summer’s Sweetest Treat

Sweet summer memories dance through my strawberry shortcake recipe, promising delightful moments of pure indulgence.

Crisp biscuits cradle fresh berries like delicate jewels nestled on a soft landscape.

Whipped cream adds a cloud-like embrace to each carefully crafted slice.

Succulent strawberries burst with vibrant flavor, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and joy.

Layers of buttery texture mingle with bright fruit notes in perfect harmony.

Simplicity meets elegance in this classic treat that beckons you to savor every single bite.

Let the first forkful transport you to a world of delectable bliss.

FAQs On Strawberry Shortcake

• What are the key ingredients for strawberry shortcake?

The key ingredients are flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cold butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

• Can I make the shortcake dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying.

• How do I know when the shortcakes are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown color and a firm texture. They should be lightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Strawberry Shortcake That Brightens Any Day

• Craft Simple Dessert: Strawberry shortcake offers an uncomplicated recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Customize with Ease: Quickly personalize this dessert by adjusting strawberry quantities, experimenting with cream variations, or adding complementary flavors like mint or lemon zest.
• Family-Friendly Treat: A crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or casual weekend treats with minimal preparation stress.
• Seasonal Celebration: Highlights fresh strawberries during peak summer months, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, delicious dessert that captures seasonal produce's natural sweetness.

Ingredients For Strawberry Shortcake

• All-Purpose Flour: A core ingredient that provides structure and texture to the shortcake base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden-brown color of the shortcake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the shortcake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shortcake.

• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender texture in the shortcake.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and sweet aromatic flavor to the shortcake.
• Strawberries: Fresh and juicy fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A classic topping that adds creamy and light texture to the strawberry shortcake.

How To Make Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Combine everything until well blended.

Step 3: Crumble the Butter

Drop in cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to break it down. Work the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like tiny, uneven crumbs.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough starts to form and stick together.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Dust a clean surface with flour. Gently transfer the dough and knead it softly until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball.

Step 6: Shape the Shortcakes

Pat the dough into a thick round about 1 inch high. Use a biscuit cutter to create perfect circular shortcakes.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the shortcakes cool slightly. This helps them set and become easier to handle.

Step 9: Create the Delightful Dessert

• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Fluffy whipped cream

Top with the other half of the shortcake.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Place on a plate and enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry shortcake right away!

Tips For Strawberry Shortcake Success

• Swap cold butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the same flaky texture.
• Prevent soggy shortcakes by adding macerated strawberries just before serving to keep the biscuits crisp.
• Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the sweet strawberries.
• Use frozen butter and grate it into the flour mixture for extra-light and tender shortcakes with perfect crumbly consistency.
• Experiment with alternative flour like almond or whole wheat for a nutty twist and added nutrition without compromising the dessert's delicate structure.

Fun Variations For Strawberry Shortcake

• Berry Bonanza: Replace strawberries with a mix of fresh blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful and tangy dessert experience.
• Citrus Splash: Add orange zest to the shortcake dough and top with a quick lemon curd for a bright, refreshing variation.
• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the shortcake batter and drizzle with chocolate sauce, serving with chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the dough and sprinkle toasted nuts over the whipped cream for extra texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas For Strawberry Shortcake

• Pair with Sparkling Moscato: Light, sweet white wine that complements the strawberries' fruity flavor and enhances the dessert's delicate sweetness.
• Complement with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Aromatic tea provides a sophisticated, floral undertone that balances the rich, creamy shortcake and adds elegant complexity.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold scoop creates a perfect temperature contrast and amplifies the dessert's smooth, rich texture while adding extra indulgence.
• Serve with Fresh Mint Garnish: Bright, crisp herb cuts through the sweetness, adds visual appeal, and introduces a refreshing palate-cleansing element to the rich dessert.

Storage Tips For Strawberry Shortcake

• Store assembled strawberry shortcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep whipped cream and strawberries separate to prevent soggy biscuits.
• Wrap plain shortcake biscuits individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm shortcake biscuits in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave to prevent texture loss.
• Always add fresh strawberries and whipped cream just before serving to maintain best texture and flavor when reheating stored shortcakes.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet summer dreams come alive with this classic Strawberry Shortcake, blending delicate biscuits, fresh berries, and billowy whipped cream into a nostalgic dessert. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this treat will transport you to sunny afternoons of pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 g) sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Shortcake Components:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup (67 g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal baking conditions.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips, breaking down the butter until the texture resembles rough, uneven crumbs.
4. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, gently stirring until the dough begins to form a cohesive mass.
5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and softly knead, creating a smooth, compact ball without overworking the mixture.
6. Flatten the dough to approximately 1-inch thickness and utilize a biscuit cutter to shape circular shortcake bases.
7. Arrange the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the shortcakes develop a golden-brown exterior and a crisp, delicate texture.
9. Allow the shortcakes to cool momentarily, creating a slight temperature reduction for easier handling.
10. Carefully slice each shortcake horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer for assembly.
11. Layer the bottom half with fresh sliced strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
12. Crown the strawberry and cream layer with the top half of the shortcake, creating an elegant, layered dessert.
13. Serve immediately to preserve the ideal texture and temperature of the strawberry shortcake.

Notes

• Ensure butter is ice-cold for the flakiest, most tender shortcake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough, dense biscuits by mixing just until ingredients combine.
• Macerate strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar 30 minutes before serving to release natural juices and enhance sweetness.
• Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the delicate crumb structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 324 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg